Traveling to France can be a delightful experience, especially when combined with the thrill of the Olympics. This past summer sophomore Emme Keeport traveled to France for a trip of a lifetime.
Keeports traveled with her family to France to celebrate her sister, Samantha’s, recent high school graduation. Thanks to a friend of her mother’s who visited Europe, her family stayed in a rented house.
The trip’s itinerary included attending various Olympic events such as beach volleyball, table tennis, women’s soccer, gymnastics, and field hockey.
According to Keeports, one standout moment was seeing Simone Biles perform in gymnastics. This was especially memorable for Keeports because she has experience competing in gymnastics.
Keeport’s excitement continued in the table tennis arena where the fast-paced action and the shocked crowd added to the high-level stakes.
“I don’t think anyone expected table tennis to be so intense. At least I didn’t think it was going to be,” Keeports shared.
Another highlight of the trip was running into LeBron James and the men’s Olympic basketball team, a moment that added an extra layer of excitement to her family’s journey.
Keeports said getting around Paris, especially during the Olympics, was easy due to the city’s reliable transportation.
“Their transportation system was very good and they had signs everywhere that made it easy to go and see where you were, and it made it easy for more than just people from France to move around.”
In addition to the city’s accessibility, Keeports said a lot of people spoke English which removed the language barrier between cultures.
“The atmosphere was crazy. The French were very proud of hosting and everyone was so happy to be there.”
According to Keeports, the happiness and excitement was palpable.
The Keeports family did not just go for the Olympic sports; it was also about embracing new cultures.
Overall, the trip to France was a blend of sports, culture, and joy, leaving Keeports with lasting memories and a strong desire to travel again after high school.
The French hospitality and the vibrant Olympic atmosphere made it an unforgettable adventure that Keeports said she would do again. She encourages more people to travel if given the chance.
